2002-02-15: Cessna 180 — Pacific City, OR

Casualties unknown • Pacific City, OR, US

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for local wind conditions during the landing roll. Factors include unfavorable winds, and a swampy area adjacent to the runway.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

While landing on a 30 foot-wide runway in steady crosswind conditions, the aircraft encountered an unexpected gust of wind. Although the pilot tried to correct for the unfavorable wind conditions, his attempts to do so were not adequate to keep the aircraft from departing the side of the runway. After departing the runway surface, the aircraft encountered a swampy area, and nosed over in about nine inches of water. The pilot later realized that wind funneling between buildings and trees located alongside the runway had created a funnel effect that produced areas of crosswind gusts.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-02-15 Cessna 180 accident near Pacific City, OR?

While landing on a 30 foot-wide runway in steady crosswind conditions, the aircraft encountered an unexpected gust of wind. Although the pilot tried to correct for the unfavorable wind conditions, his attempts to do so were not adequate to keep the aircraft from departing the side of the runway. After departing the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-02-15 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2434C, at Pacific City, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for local wind conditions during the landing roll. Factors include unfavorable winds, and a swampy area adjacent to the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020228X00288. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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